Perforator for master-sheets.



L. R. ROBERTS.

, Patented May16, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

L. R. ROBERTS.

PERFORATOR FOR MASTER SHEETS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 3, I914.

Patented May 16, 1916.

4 SHEETS'SHEET 2.

L. R. ROBERTS.

PERFORATOR FOR- MASTER SHEETS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 3.1914.

Patented May 16, 1916.

4 SHEETSSHEET 3.

L. R. ROBERTS.

PERFORATOR FOR MASTER SHEETS;

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 3,1914. 1 ,1 83,77 1. latmted May16, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

UNITED STATES PATENT "OFFICE.

LYMAN R. ROBERTS, OF RUTHERFORD, NEW ERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO- UNDERWOOD TYPE- WRITER COMPANY, OF. NEW YORK,'1 T. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

PERFORATOR FOR MASTER-SHEETS.

Patented May 16, 1916.

Application filed June 3, 1914. Serial No. 842,550.

new and useful Improvements in Perforators for Master-Sheets, of which the following is a specification.

This lnventlon relates to an automatic perforator for so altering a master member,

either sheet or card, that it may be used subsequently in controlling the successive actions of an automatic typewriter operator, and is an improvement on my Patent No. 1,160,101, dated November 9, 1915, and

, myco-pending application No. 734,048, filed November 29, 1912.

In the'present invention mechanism is so arranged that by the mere striking of keys similar to the keys of an ordinary typewriter, a master member has holes punched in it, which correspond to the successive actions necessary in the writing of a letter or the like by a typewriter, these perforations, however, 'controllingthe actions of an automatic operator, which itself mechanically strikes the .keys of a typewriter and actuat'es the various other parts thereof to produce the desired results.

In the present instance provision is made whereby the same machine can be used either to perforate a master sheet, that is, a

continuous strip of considerable length usedto control the writing of. extensive matter,

' say, for example, the body of a letter, or a a master card perhaps somewhat more stifi' than the master sheet, and of not quite so great magnitude, which may be used to control a small insert, such as the-name and address at thebeginning of'each of a series of duplicate letters.

Inasmuch as the master card is' of limited extent andgha's-but a llmitedfeed in motion, while the master sheet is somewhat more' flexible and of greater extent or length, it is necessary to have two types of feed, which *are alternative in their actlons, and parts of which cooperate to perform slightly difl'er- ,e'nt functions when feeding themaster card,

from those performed whenfeeding the master sheet. That is to say, the feeding mechanism is so arranged that it will either take a' master card or a master sheet, and feed it step by step past the perforating or In the accompanying dra ingS -Figure 1 is-a vertical section taken from front to rear, and showing the machine in the act of feeding a master sheet. Fig. 2 is a detail view in side elevation of the feeding rolls for the master sheet, showing the same in their operative relation. Fig. 3 is a vertical detail section taken from the opposite side of that of Fig. 1, and showing themaster 'sheetfeeding mechanism out of action, with the master-card-feeding mechanism in action, parts being omitted for the sake of simplicity.- Fig. 4 is a skeleton perspec'tiveview showing the master sheet-feeding mechanism in action with the masterca-rd-feeding mechanism locked out of its specific action. Fig. 5 is a detail erspective view of certain parts of the feeding mechanism, and showing how the card-holder is used as a fair lead or guide for the master sheet. Fig.

.6 is a top plan view with parts in section andparts broken away to show the underlying structure. .Fig. 7 is a detail skeleton perspective View, showing the mechanism for operating the hammer, with the electric circuit in diagram. Fig. 8 is a detail view in elevation of the card-holder, with part of the feeding means therefor, showing a card in place; Fig. 9 is a detail view in vertical sectlon, showing one of the interpo-' nents raised to its efiective position just before being hit by the hammer. Fig. 10 is aview similar to Fig. 9, showing a succeeding condition of affairs-after the hammer has hit the interponent to force the punch through the master member in position. Fig. 11- is a detail perspective view of a master sheet'after it has been perforated and the ends joined together, so as to form a continuous master member arranged to pass over and over again by the controlling mechanism of the automatic typewriter op-' ;erator. Fig. 12 is a detail View of the means for putting the initial tension in the spring member which feeds themaster-card-holder.

a typewriter is capable, for example, corresponding to numeral keys, alphabet keys, space key, tabulating key, and case-shift key, etc., are mounted on key-levers 2, which are pivoted intermediate their ends, andwhen depressed at their front ends, arranged to raise their rear ends. The key-levers 2 each I support an interponent 3, which is normally located in its lowermost ineffective position, but at the strikingof the corresponding key 1, will be raised by virtue of lost-motion pin-and-slot-comrectio'ns 4, to bring a head 5 into the pat-h of a hammer 6, which is universal to all of the interponents 3.

The hammer 6 is shown in the form of an inverted U-shaped frame, and normally rests idly against a cushion 7, but is fixed on a pivot rod 8, so as to be swung to strike the interponent 3 in its effective position when the armatures 9 of the hammer are drawn against the poles of a pair of spaced electromagnets 10. The electromagnets 10 are eX- cited from a circuit 11 whenever anyone of the keys 1 is depressed. For this purpose, a universal bar 12 overlies each of the'keylevers 2, and is connected by a frame 13 to a rock shaft 14, which-has secured thereto an'arm 15, bearing a contact 16. The contact 16 is normally spaced apart from a contact 17 connected to one lead of the circuit 11, the contact 16 being connected by wiring 18 to the'other lead of the circuit, which passes through the electromagnets 10. The electromagnets 10 may be arranged in the circuit in parallel, as shown in Fig. 7, or in any other suitable manner.

It will thus be evident that when anyone of the keys 1 is struck, an interponent 3 corresponding thereto is raised to its effective position in the path of the hammer 6, and the contact 16 is'swung up to the contact 17, so that the electromagnets10 are, at the same time, excited, so as to swing the hammer 6, causing it to strike the interponent raised, which in turn will hit a punch 19 forming a part of a perforating mechanism. These punches 19, of which there is one for each interponent 3 and for each key 1, are normally held in an inactive position by a series of levers 20, which in turn are held in their normal position by springs 21, and are limited in their movement by stops 22 forminga part thereof. The punches 19 are guided for movement in a guide block 23, and extend into apertures 2 1 registering with apertures 25 in a female die 26. The guide block 23 and the die block 26 are spaced apart from each other a suflicient distance to permit a master member 27 to pass therebetween, so that when one of the punches 19 is forced into the aperture of the die-block 26, it will cut out a portion of the master member 27, leaving an opening therein, the cut-out pieces falling into a suitable detachable receptacle 28.

When the key 1 is released, the circuit is automatically broken by the contact 16 falling away from the contact 17, thereby deenergizing the electromagnets 10, permitting the hammer 6 to return to its normal ineffective position. The interponent 3 which happened to be in action will likewise be returned to its normal depressed position by a retrieving bar 29, Which is universal to all of the interponents 3. .This retrieving bar 29 is supported by a frame 30, and the latter is returned to its normal position by a spring 31.

Thus far it has been shown how the master member is perforated. It is necessary, however, that the perforations shall be made on successive portions of the master member, so that they will come into action frame having a bottom reach 33, a top reach 34, and side reaches and 36. The side reaches 35 and 36 are grooved on their inwardly-facing sides, as at 37, so that a" card can be slid downward into position therein, and held from sidewise movement. The card is prevented from downward movementby resting on the bottom reach 33. In order to prevent upward movement of the card, there is provided a clamp 38, which is pivotallymounted'on the top reach 34, and has a gripping jaw 39, which cocperates with a jaw' 40 on the top reach to seize the edge of the card between them. A spring 41 normally holds the clamp 38 in itsefiective position. This arrangement provides when the card is once inserted in the slots.

37 in the holder and the clamp 38 properly positioned, that the card shall be held somewhat rigidly against movement in all directions. If the holder 32 is properly fed, the card itself will be properly fed past the punches 19, so as to receive perforations in successive portions thereof.

To feed the holder 32, the side reaches 35 and 36 are provided with teeth to form racks 42, which are arranged to be engaged and driven by pinions 43 secured to a shaft- +14. The shaft 44 is provided on its outer end with a driving pinion 45 (Fig. 4),

successively when the master sheet is subsewhich meshes with a gear 46 on the casing 47 of a spring drum, the spring of which may be given an initial tension by a winding mechanism 48 (Fig. 12), the tension beand the card slid in through the slots 37,-

and secured in position by the clamp 38. Then the holder is depressed against the tension of'the spring drum 47, by means of a thumb-piece 50, until the holder has reached the lowermost point of its travel. The holder will then be secured in this position through the intermediary of the pinions 43 and the shaft 44, by an escapement mechanism indicated in general at 51. This escapement 'mechanism includes an escapemen't Wheel 52 loosely mounted on the shaft '44, but connectible thereto by means of a normal position.

spring-pressed pawl 53 secured to the escapementwheel 52, and engaging a oneway ratchet wheel 54 secured to the shaft 44. This arrangement enables the control of the rotation of the shaft 44 by the escapement wheel 52 in one direction, that is, corresponding to the upward direction of movement of the holder 32, but permits a free downward movement of the holder 32 and a corresponding 7 I rotation of the shaft 44.

The escapement wheel 52 is locked against a movement in one direction by a detent 55, which, however, may be manipulated to an inactive position in case it is desired to lift the holder 32 quickly to a raised position free from control by the escapement mechanism. The escapement wheel 52 is normally engaged by a loose pivoted pawl or dog 56,

which prevents rotation of the escapement wheel 52, and thus prevents a movement of the holder 32 in an upward direction. When, however, any one of the keys 1 is struck so as to cause a perforating action, the swing ing frame 57 on which the loose pawl 56 is mounted, will be rocked against the ten sion of springs 58 and 58*, so as to disengage the loose pawl 56 from one of the teeth of the escapement wheel 52, and bring a fixed pawl or dog 59 into engagement with the same tooth. To do this, the hammer 6 is provided with an arm 60, which has a pin-and-slot connection 61 with a link 62 connected, at the actuation of the hammer, to draw down on, an arm 63 joined to the swinging frame 57.

When the magnets 10 are deenergized at the return of the numeral key 1, the hammer 6 returns to its normal position, and the escapement frame 57 likewise returns-t0 its The loose pawl 56,'how.- ever, in the meantime has jumped forward under the pull of the spring 58, sothat it has come into engagement with the next tooth of the escapement wheel 52. Now,

'then, when the swinging frame 57 returns to its normal position, disengaging the fixed pawl 59 from the tooth of the escapement wheel 52, the loose pawl 56 will permit a so as to leave a blank space on the card, a

key 64 may be depressed against the tension of a spring 65, so that an arm 66 thereon will engage and depress a pin 67. This pin is secured on the swinging frame 57, and will rock the same in the same manner in which the hammer 6 rocks it, so as to permit a single step movement of the escapement mechanism and of the holder 32. The pinand-slot connection 61 will permit such movement without disturbing the hammer 6 and the associated parts.

In addition to perforating master cards as has been stated above, it is necessary to perforate master sheets with the same machine. To do this, the card-holder 32 is locked in the position shown in Fig. 4, by a latch 68, which is pivoted at 69, and moved into and out of its locking position in a notch 70, by means of a finger-piece 71. fWhen thus locked, the holder 32 no longer is ca able of being moved up and down, and, ence, even 1f the escapement mechanism should be operated, it remains in the ets 76. The master sheet is extended from the roll 74 over a guide roller 77. From the guide roller 77, the master sheet is threaded through slots 78 in the side pieces 35 and 36, which communicate with the slots 37 therein. The master sheet extends up through'and is guided by the slots 37. for a limited extent of the holder32, and in fact, so as to pass through the passage. located between the guide block 23 and the die block 26, so as to be in a position to be perforated by the punches 19. p

Other slots 79 (Fig. 5) similarto the slots 78. are provided on the upper portion of the side reaches 35 and 36, so that the master sheet 72 may be extended out therefrom in the slots 79, or practically in register there- I with, therevare, provided a pair of feeding a holder 32-, a link 89, which is pivotally con- 4 rolls and 81. Theserolls 80 and 81 have a line of bite in register with the passage between the guide block 23 and the die block 26, so as to'grip the master sheet 72 therebetween as it comes from this passage.

The roll 80 is provided with extension shafts 82 resting in open bearings .83 in' brackets 83, so as to be readily removed, and headed so as to'prevent endwise movement. The feeding roll 81 is also provided with extension shafts 84 headed in the same manner as the shafts 83, but extending in acute L- shaped slots 85, so as to permit the feeding roll 81 to be moved toward and from the feeding roll 80,-a-nd-to be locked by the.

shafts 84 when dropped into the vertical reaches of the ,L slots 85 in a position spaced apart from the feeding roll 80.

Normally, springs 86 tend to draw the feeding roll 81 toward the feeding roll 80, but these can be stretched to separate the feeding rolls 80' and 81 from each'other. When the rolls-are held in close juxtaposition by thesprings 86, gears 86 and 86 on these rolls will mesh, so as to cause them to drive in unison. The tension of thesprin s 86 may beadjustedby ad usting screws 8 mounted onpivoted arms 88 to which 'one end of each spring 86 is secured. 1

It will thus be seen that if it is desired to use the holder 32 to. feed amaster. card, in.

place of using the 'fe'eding rolls 80 and 81 to feed a master sheet, the rolls 80 and 81 may be spread apart, and, if desired, the roll 80 can even be bodily removed'from the" machine, although its feeding action will'not interfere with the movement of thecardfeeding-mechanism, as it has thesame rate of feed. 4

The drive of the feeding rolls 80 and 81 iseffected concomitantly with the actuation of the keys 1, similarly as the escapement.

mechanism for the holder 32 is controlled, For this purpose, there is secured to the arm 60, which, it will be remembered, actuated the escapement mechanism for the card-f nected at its upper end (Fig. 4) to a lever 90. Pivotally mounted on the lever 90 (Figs; 1 and 3) is a feeding pawl 91 normally held to its work by a spring92. If desired, this feeding pawl 91 may be moved by means of a finger grip 93 provided thereon, to an in effective position against the tension of thespring 92, when it will be located on the op.

posite side of thedead center ofv the pivot of the pawl 91.. Now, then, Whenever one of the actuating keys 1 is struck,,the magnets 10 will be energized, as previously explained, rocking .the hammer 6, which in turn will cause the arm 60 to draw down on the link 89, to rock the lever 90. This initial movement will move the pawl 91 upwardly past the teeth on a ratchet wheel 94-, secured to the feeding roll 80. This, however, is not a feeding action, but merely sets will return all of'the connected parts after the magnets 10 have been deener ized by the return of the actuated key 1. his return movement will cause the pawl 91 to feed the 'roll80 around the desired distance corresponding to the spaces between successive perforationson the master member in position to be perforated. i

In order that the pawl 91 which acts somewhat rapidly, may not overthrow, and in orderthat the distance of feed may be accurately determined, an overthrow dog 96 is mounted on the lever 90, which will come into engagement with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 94:, just as the pawl 91 completes its feeding movement. This, then, locks the feeding roll 80 from advance movement until the actuation of another key.

3 Thefeeding roll 80 is urged by the spring's 86, so as to tightly grip the masten' sheet 72 between the feeding rolls 8O and 81', and as they rota'te together, they will advance the master sheet between them; Backwardrotation of the feeding roll 80, and hence "backward feeding movement of themaster sheet s prevented by a, spring-pressed dog 97 (Fig. 1), mounted on the frame, and engaging the ratchet wheel 94.

' If it shouldbedesired to effect a feedin action of the rolls 80 and 81: without a con- 1 comitant perforating operation, a'*'special key 98, which maybe termed 'a space key, is depressed sothat the key-lever-thereof engages'a p n 99on-anarm'100 (Fig. 7). v The arm 100 is secured .to theshaft 14, and so "is enabled to rock up the contactbearing arm 15, to bring the contact 16 up into en- 6,"which in turnwill operate and pull down on the l nk 89, and thus'rock the lever 90 to cause ajfeeding action of the pawl 91. Inas- -,much astthere is no interponent 3 for this part1cular" space key 98, there will 'be no interponent interposed between the hammenfi anda punch '19, wherebythe hammer 6 will ust swing idly-as far as perforating is concerned) v I Summarizing the operation briefly, if it 15 desired to perforate a master card, the 1'olls 80 and 81 are thrown out of action by spreading them apart, and if desired, by removing the roll 80 entirely. Then the master card is inserted in the holder32 at the top, and passed down through the slots 37 until it rests on the bottom reach 33, Where it can be locked in position by the gagement with thecontact 17, energizing the f imagnets'lo, thereby, actuating the hammer be capable of raising the holder 32 step by step under the control of the escapement mechanism therefor. The keys 1 are then struck according to the typewritten matter it is desired to reproduce.

' lVhen any key corresponding to a letter, numeral, or any desired operation of the typewriter, is struck, one of the interponents 3 will be raised to a -posi'tion between the hammer 6 and its corresponding punch 19, so that as the contact is made and the electromagnets 1O energized, the hammer 6 will be swung forwardly,,forcing said punch 19- throngh the master' 'card, cutting 'out a portion thereof, so as to leave a clean cut perforation having a position transverse of the master card corresponding to the particular key 1 struck. The movement of the hammer 6 swings the escapement frame 57 to a position to bring the fixed dog 59 into engagement with one of the teeth of the escapement wheel 52, permitting the loose pawl 56 to spring forwardly one step in adp vance.

\Vhen the pressure on the key 1 is released, the magnets will be denergized,

. and the springs 58 and 58 act to return the parts to their normal position, including the escapement swinging frame 57, which will permit the engagement of the loose dog 56 between the feeding rolls S0 and 81.

with the escapement wheel 52, and the disengagement of the dog 59 with said escapement wheel, thereby permitting an advancing movement of the escapement wheel equivalent to the swing of the loose dog 56.

This will permit the spring drum 47 to r0- tate the shaft 44, and thus, through the connected gearing, advance the holder 32 one step forwardly to bring the next line on the master card opposite the punches 19. This is repeated until all of the actions of the typewriter-necessary for the insert to which the master card corresponds, have been reproduced in coded perforations. If, on the other hand, it is desired to perforate a master sheet, the holder 32 is depressed sufficiently far to enable the lock or latch 68 to engage the notch 70 therein, and secure the holder in a fixed position. The master sheet 72 is then threaded to the openings 78, slots 37, and the slots 79, so as to bring it within the range of the punches 19,

e feeding rolls 80 and 81 are then brought together, so as to grip the master sheet between them. The striking of the keys 1 is accomplished in'the same way as for the master card, and the perforating takes place in the same manner. The feed of the master sheet is subsequent to the perforating action as with the master card, but the feed in this instance, is positively accomplished by the magnets 10, although the force of the spring 95 actually does the feeding. This positive feed is more or less necessary, because the master sheet may be of considerable extent beyond the capacity of a normal spring drum, such as 47, used to feed the master card which has a limited length.

Variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention, and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim:

1. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of' an automatic machine, of a-holder actingalternatively to conduct either a flexible master strip of considerable extent or a comparatively short stiif master card past said altering mechanism.

2. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of a holder acting alternatively to conduct either a flexible master strip of considerable extent or a comparatively short stifi' master card past said altering mechanism, locking means 'for maintaining said holder stationary against traveling movements when conducting one type of master member past said altering mechanism, and feeding means for advancingsaid holder when conducting the other type of master member past said altering mechanism.

3. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feedin means for traversing a master card past sai altering mechanism, and feeding means for traversing a master sheet past saidaltering mechanism, said feeding means being alternative in their actions.

4. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding means for traversing a master card past said altering mechanism, feeding means for traversing a master sheet past said altering mechanism, said feeding means being alternative in their actions, and locking mechanism for preventing the action of one of said feeding means while the other is in action.

5. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding rolls for conducting a master member past said altering mechanism, a feeding holder mov able to conduct a master member past said altering mechanism, while said rolls are inactive, driving means for said feeding rolls, and driving means for said holder.

6. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding rolls for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, a feeding holder for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, driving means for said feeding rolls, driving means for said holder, and actuating means common to both said driving means.

7. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding rolls for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, a feeding holder for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, driving means for said feeding rolls, driving means for said holder, and actuating means common to both said driving means, said actuating means being controlled from saidaltering mechanism, so as to cause corresponding feeding movements of the master member with altering actions of said mechanism.

8. The combination ,with mechanism. for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding rolls for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, a feeding holder for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, driving means for said 1 feeding rolls, driving means for said holder,

actuating means common to both said driving means, said actuating means being controlled from said altering mechanism, s'o'as to cause corresponding feeding movements of the master member with altering actionsv of said mechanism, and means for silencing said feeding rolls.

9. The combinatlon with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a ter member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding rolls for conducting'the master member past ,1 said altering mechanism, a feeding holder for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, driving means for said feeding rolls, driving means for sand holder,

ing means, said actuating means being con trolled from said altering mechanism, so as to give corresponding feeding movements of the master member with altering actions of said mechanism, means for silencing said feedingrolls'; and means for silencing said 1 feeding'holder.

10. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding rolls for conducting the master member past said altering mechanism, a feeding holder for conducting the master member step by step past said altering mechanism, driving means for said feeding rolls,'driving means for H said holder, means for silencing said, feeding rolls, and means for silencing the feeding of said holder..

11. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so asto produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machinedsaid altering mechanism having a master-member passage therein, of a holder having a line of holding in register with said passage,means to move the holder and advance a master member therewith, feeding/rolls having a line of bite in register with said passage, and means to actuate said rolls to advance a master member through the holder 'while the holder-is at rest.

19, The combination with mechanism for altering the "general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, said alteringmechanism comprising a holder having a mastermember passage therein, of feeding rolls having a line of bite in register with. said passage and operable to feed a member through said passage, means for spreading said rolls apart, and means for advancing the holder to feed a member while said rolls are spread apart;

13. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, was to produce'therefrom a master member capableof controlling the action ofan automatic machine, said mechanism having a master-member passage therein through which the master member may be drawn past the altering mechanism, ofa pair of opposed'feeding rolls for drawing the master member through said passage,

said rolls being adjustable from a condition closely" juxtaposed, gripping the master member between vthem, to a condition spread apart, and means. for maintaining said rolls in either state of relative adjustment 14. The combination with mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, said mechanism having a master-member passage therein altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, said mechanism having a master-member passage thereinthrough which the master member may be drawn past the altering mechanism, of a pair of opposed feeding rolls for drawing the master member through said passage, saidrolls being adjustable from a condition closely juxtaposed, gripping the master member between them, to a condition spread apart, and brackets for supporting said rolls, said brackets having L-shaped slots for permitting the back-and-forth movement of one of said rolls and for lockin said last.

mentioned roll in one of its ad usted positions'.

16.;The combination with a keyboard mechanism for altering the general uniform character of a member so as. to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automaticmachine, said mechanism having apassage therein through which a master member to be altered may be drawn, of aguide for said master member having guiding slots therein in register with said passage, and having slots leadingto .and from said guiding slots so as todirect the master member to said guiding slots, and lead said master member mechanism ,for altering the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce slots leading to and from said guiding slots,

therefroma master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, saidfmechanism having a passage therein through which a master member to be altered may be drawn, of a guide for said master member having guiding slots therein in register with said passage, and having so as to direct the master member to said guiding slots and lead said mastermember from said guiding slots, and a palr of feeding rolls havin a line of bite in register with said guiding slots arranged to draw the master member through said guiding slots and through said passage.

18. The combination with mechanismv for altering the general uniform character of amember, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of a card-feeder for moving a master card step by step through said altering mechanism, a sheet-feeder for moving a master sheet step by step .through said altering mechanism, an escapement mechanism for said card-feeder, a positive drive for said sheet-feeder, and means for actuating both said'escapement mechanism and said positive drive from said altering mechanism.

19. The combination with altering mechanism for changing the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of

- a master-member feeder for moving a master member step by step through said altering mechanism, and a common electric drive for driving both said feeder and said altering mechanism.

20. The combination with altering mechanism for changing the general uniform character of a member to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of feeding mechanism capable of handling a card and moving the same step by step through said altering mechanism, feeding mechanism capable of handling a sheet and moving the same step by step through said altering mechanism, means individual to each of said feeding mechanisms for governing the step movements thereof,v and in such a way that they. will be of the same magnitude, and a common actuating mechanism for said governing means controlled from said altering mechanism.

21. The combination with altering mechanism for changing the general uniform character of a member, so as to produce therefrom a master member capable of controlling the actions of an automatic machine, of a member acting alternatively as a positive means for moving a card past said altering mechanism step by step, and as a fair lead for .passively guiding a master sheet past said altering mechanism.

23. The combination with perforating mechanism for perforating a member 'to form thereof a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of card-feeding mechanism for passing a card by said perforating mechanism, sheet-feeding mechanism for passing a sheet by said perforating mechanism, means for enabling the operation of said feeding mechanism concomitantly with the action of said perforating mechanism, and a blankspace mechanism for controlling a feeding action while said perforating means remains passive, so as to give a blank space on the master member, between consecutive perforations, of greater than normal magnitude. J

24. The combination with perforating mechanism, of card-feeding mechanism for moving a card step by step past said perforating mechanism, sheet-feeding mechanism for moving a sheet step by step past said perforating mechanism, means for enabling a concomitant operation of said perforating mechanism With a feeding action, blank-space mechanism for enabling a feeding action of said card-feeding mechanism while said perforating mechanism remains passive, and blank-space mechanism for enabling a feeding action of said feeding mechanism While said perforating mechanism remains passive.

25. The combination with altering mechanism for changing the general uniform character of a member to produce thereof a master member capable of controlling the actions of an automatic machine, of a master-member feeding mechanism for moving a member step by step past said altering mechanism, electromagnetic means for operating said feeding mechanism, and a separate key independent of said electromagnetic means for causing an operation of said feeding mechanism.

26. The combination with a mastermember feeding mechanism, ,of an escapement mechanism for said feeding mechanism controlling step-by-step movements thereof, electromagnetic means for controlling said escapement mechanism, keys for controlling said electromagnetic means, and a separate key independent of said electromagnetic means for operating said escapement mechanism to cause a. step movement of said feeding mechanism While said electromagnetic means remains passive.

27. The combination with perforating .mechanism for making openings in a member to produce thereof a master member capable of controlling the action of an automatic machine, of electromagnetic means means, and said perforating mechanism,

rolls for feeding a master member step by step past said perforating means, means for actuating said feeding rolls from said electromagnetic means, and a key connected to control an action of said actuating means independent of a concomitant perforating action by said perforating mechanism.

28. The.combination with means for supporting a work-piece in a flat condition, of devices to strike against the face of the Work-piece to perform work thereon,'keys to actuate said devices, means to form a backing for the Work-piece to hold it in position for said devices to strike thereagainst, means controlled by the keys for advancing the work-piece in its own plane step-by-step as the keys are actuated, means for guiding a flexible work-piece through the machine in a circuitous Path, said work-piece being guided over said backing, and means also controlled by the keys for feeding said flexible work-piece step by step in said circuitous path as the keys are actuated.

29. A machine comprising, in combination, means for guiding a flexible sheet or Web in a circuitous path through the machine, means for guiding in a straight path circuitous path through the machine, or a sheet held flat and advancing in its own plane through the machine, and means for perforating a sheet durin its passage through the machine in either of said paths.

31. The combination with key-actuated devices for striking against the face of a card or sheet for performing work thereon,

of feeding means for traversing a card in av straight path in its own plane, past said devices, and feeding means for traversing a flexible sheet in a circuitous path through.

the machine past said devices, said feeding means being alternative in their actions, said paths coinciding at the portions thereof within th'e range of said Work-performing devices- I 1 32. The combination with a card-holding frame formed with grooves in the sides thereof to receive the side edges of a card, of key-actuated devices to strike against the face of the card, means controlled by the keys to advance said frame step by step to feed the card,.means to guide a flexible sheet. or web through the machine in a circuitous" path including portions of said-grooves, to receive the edges of the web,- whereby the portion of the web path within the range of 'said devices coincides with the corresponding portion of the card path, and means controlled by the keys for advancing the web stepby step in said circuitous'pat 33. The combination of a card-holder, means to feed it vertically, a swinging hammer, punches, means for effecting an'operative relation between the punches and the hammer and causingthe punches to .be actuated by the hammer and perforate a card on the holder, and means to feed a flexible sheet or web in ,a devious path-comprising a portion within the range of said punches, said portionsubstantially coinciding with the corresponding portion of the path of the card.

34. The'combination with perforating devices and means to selectively actuate said devices, of feeding means for moving a flat card past said perforating devices, escapement mechanism operated by said actuating. means and controlling said feeding means to eflect a step-by-step'movement of .thecard,v a stationary support on the opposite side of v the card from said perforating devices to' stationary support, whereby the sheet travstiff card or flexible sheet past said. perfora-ting .devices step by .step, a support forming .a backing for said sheet orcard ingguidedand advanced support the card when said devices are operated, means for guiding a flexible sheet or web in a devious path leading over said erses said support within-the rangeof said. perforating devices, and means for effecting I a-ste'p-by-step movement of said sheet.

' 35 The combination with perforating de-.

vicesand means to selectively actuate said devices of mechanismsfor feeding either a opposite the perforating devices, and means for guiding the flexible sheet in a circuitous path over said support, said card bein its own plane over said support.

'36. 'Theco-mbina-tionwith a card-holder, of means to perform work on a-cardin thev holder, means for advancing the cardholder for feeding'the work, means for advancing a flexible sheet in a circuitous path including a straight portion extending through the holder, and means for holding 'said cardholder stationary .while said sheet being 37. The combination of alphabeti al keys, work-performing means controlled by said keys, a frame to support a work-piecewithin the range of said work-performing means.

means for advancing the frame step-by-step tospace the work, and means to advance a work-piece in a devious .path 'extending through a portion of said frame within the range of said work-performing means.

38..The combination of an upstanding frame to support a card, alphabetical keys,

devices actuated by said keys to strike against the front face ofthe card in the frame, a support for said card behind said devices, means for guiding a flexible sheet in a devious pathextending over said support in position for said key-actuated devices to operate thereon, and alternative means to either advance the said frame to'space the work on the card or, to advance the flexible sheet to space the work thereon.

39. The combination of an upstandingframe to support a card, alphabetical keys,

devices actuated by said keys to strike against the front face of the card inthe frame, a support for said card behind said devices, means for guiding a flexible sheet in a devious path extending over 'said support in position for said key-actuated devices to operate thereon, feed rolls for said sheet, mechanism controlled by the keys to effect a step-by-step rotation of the feed rolls for advancing'said sheet, mechanism controlled by the keys for advancing said frame step by step, and means to selectively control the operation of said step-by-step mechanisms.

40. The combination with a frame to sup port a work-sheet or card in a fiat condition, of devices on one side of the card to perform work thereon, a stationary support on. the opposite side to sup ort the card when said devicesare operate step-by-step mechanism to automatically advance the 'card .in its own plane step by step as said devices are operated, means to guide a flexible sheet in a devious path extending over said support, whereby said devices may operate'on said sheet, step-by-s'tep mechanism to automatically advance said sheet step by step as said devices are operated, and means to bring said step-by-step mechanisms alternatively into activity.

I 41. The combination with a frame arranged to hold a card in an upright flat condition, punches arranged in transverse order on one side of the card, a stationary support on the opposite side of the card opposite the punches, to support the card when the I port to permit the punches to operate thereon, mechanism controlled by the keys to advance said sheet each time a key is actuated, means to throw said sheet-advancing mechanism out of operationwhen the card-frameadvancing means is active, and means to hold thecard-holding frame stationary when the sheet-advancing mechanism is active.

I 42. The combination with a set of punches, of a guiding block in which the punches are mounted, a die block formed with dieopenings to receivefthe'ends' of the punches as.

iding block and die block being spaced to orm a slot or.

the latter are operated, said narrow opening through which a card or sheet may be guided, a frame to support a v card extendingihrough said slot, means to guide a flexible sheet through said slot,

mechanism toadvance the card-supporting frame step by step, mechanism to advance said sheet step by step, and means to render a each of said step-by-step mechanisms inactive when the other is active, 4 43. In a punching machine, the combination with a set of punches, "of a guide block in whichthe punches are mounted, a die block having die openings to receive the ends of the punches as the latter are actuated, said blocks being spaced to provide a narrow slot 'or passage through which a work-sheet or card may extend, a card-holding frame arranged to hold a card in said position, means for supporting and guiding a sheet or web through saidslot, and meansto feed said web while said frame is held stationary in "said position.

frame step-by step to feed the card therein past the punche's,.means to advance a web step by step through said slot, and means to hold the card-holding frame stationary while said web-advancing means is active. v LYMAN R. ROBERTS.

Witnesses W. O. WESTPHAL, Trros H. IRONS. 

